Page 11 of A Spark in the Ash

Chapter Four

Now that I’min one location all day every day, and now that I’m not an active field agent, I don’t getanyphone calls.

So I rip from sleep with a start when something vibrates loudly on my nightstand.

Confused, I grapple for my cell phone. I don’t recognize the number, but I answer anyway.

“Hello?”

“Serena,” a familiar voice comes through, crystal clear. “You’re a difficult woman to track down.”

“Vivian,” I say, even as a chill works its way down my spine. I’m not afraid of Jaxon’s mother, but the ramifications of what this woman can do are infinite.

“I hope you are well, my dear,” she says. But the genuine meaning behind the sentiment is completely missing.

“I’m doing great, thank you for asking,” I say as I sit up in my bed and sit on the edge.

“That’s wonderful to hear,” she says in that calm, monotone way of hers. “I was wondering if my son was nearby? I haven’t been able to reach him since the two of you left town a few weeks ago.”

I knew this was coming. Vivian Gray keeps close tabs on her children because they all work for her, collecting her money and bashing in the skulls of those who cannot pay.

“He’s actually out with my dad right now,” I lie. “They went fishing at the river.”

Vivian pauses a moment, evaluating what I’ve said. “The visit with your family must be going well.”

“It is,” I say, keeping my tone firm and calm. “My parents love Jaxon. He certainly knows how to turn on the charm, doesn’t he?”

Vivian makes this amusedhmmsound, and I can just imagine the controlled but annoyed smile on her face, the way her lips would purse slightly, and her eyes would narrow a bit. “Yes, he does. Can you tell me, Serena, when can I expect the two of you back in the city?”

I reach up and scratch my forehead, fighting off a sigh. I knew Jaxon would have to see his family, that we couldn’t completely walk away. But Jaxon’s manifestation hasn’t been what I expected at all. “I’m not sure, Vivian. My parents are getting older, and they’ve needed our help the last few weeks. I don’t think I can feel good leaving them high and dry until things are wrapped up. It’s probably going to be two more weeks or so.”

Another pause. Vivian doesn’t like my answer. “My Jaxon has always had a good heart, but I hope he hasn’t already forgotten that blood is thicker than water. I need my son back, soon, Serena.”

“I need him too, Vivian,” I say, sharper than I should. “And considering he’s going to be my husband as soon as we get back, I should hope I hold the greatest sway right now.”

Oh, I’ve gone and done it.

That was a mistake.

But I don’t regret a single word.

Vivian pauses again. Three seconds pass by. “I’ve been planning your wedding party for the past two weeks. I’m truly looking forward to it. But I realized that I have no idea what full name to put on the announcement. And I’m having a difficult time finding any record of you, or your last name.”

Cold ice washes through my veins. Because the reality hits me hard.

I did have a last name.

But I’m not even sure I remember what it was. It hasn’t been important in so long.

Jaxon hasn’t ever even asked for it.

“White,” I spit out the lie, going for the irony of it.

“Serena White,” Vivian Gray repeats, and I can hear that she knows this is a lie from her tone. “Well, please tell my son to call me as soon as possible. I need to have a word with him.”

“I’ll do that.” And I hope she can hear the lie in my tone. “Goodbye, Vivian.”

“Goodbye, Serena,” she says in that chilly tone of hers, and she hangs up.

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